Radio Features

Rural America’s susceptibilities to stresses and mental health issues, in some cases in extremes, has prompted various efforts address this concern – such as increased and greater awareness of resources, and removing stigmas associated with mental illness. Rod Bain looks at some of the many efforts to combat rural mental health stresses and concerns in this edition of “Agriculture USA”.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Brent Elrod of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Farm Broadcaster Brian Winnekins. Terri Moore of the American Farm Bureau Federation. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. Kentucky State Governor Andy Beshear. Scott Heiberger of the National Farm Medicine Center. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew.

A new report shows that in 2021 we saw one of the biggest hikes in food prices in decades. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford. USDA economist, Matt MacLachlan. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. Classic cartoon character, Woody Woodpecker.

A recent readjustment to school meal reimbursement rates is the latest in a series of USDA efforts to strengthen the nation’s school meals program in the wake of various challenges. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Cindy Long

The significance of food and agricultural research and innovation in a total economic sense is not lost on USDA’s Director of its research funding institute. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director Carrie Castille

How might consumers, as well as producers, better understand concepts of sustainability? Pork producers are working on ways to better communicate what sustainability means to them. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Brett Kaysen and Scott Phillips of the National Pork Board

Want to try growing your own garden transplants from seed this winter? Gary Crawford has some tips from an expert.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Ward Upham, Kansas State University Extension horticultural expert.

The Agriculture Secretary recently revealed some of the potential activities and programs USDA will announce in the coming months. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service will offer climate smart agriculture components within some of its conservation programs this year. Rod Bain reports.


PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Producers have only a few more days to apply for two of USDA's disaster-related assistance programs. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA's Farm Service Agency

The USDA is looking to invest money in new farm risk management education projects. Gary Crawford has more.


PARTICIPANTS: Gary Crawford and Marcia Bunger, Administrator of USDA's Risk Management Agency. Also, classic comedian, Groucho Marx

Various efforts originating from a wide range of rural stakeholders are attempting to bring resources, programs, and training to address rural mental health concerns and remove stigmas. Rod Bain reports.

PARTICIPANTS: Rod Bain. Terri Moore of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Rob Larew of the National Farmers Union. Scott Heiberger of the National Farm Medicine Center. Farm broadcaster Brian Winnekins.